Image copyrightGetty Images / Sesame StreetImage caption
Sesame Street is included as an example of suitable viewing for small children

The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) has announced new screen time guidelines for children aged up to two.

It had recommended that children have no screen time before the age of two.

But it now says children aged over 18 months can use video chat with family, and 18-month to five-year-olds can watch "high quality" programmes with parents.

However, it also says physical activity and face-to-face interaction should be prioritised.

It named programmes such as Sesame Street as examples of appropriate TV shows.

"Families should proactively think about their children's media use and talk with children about it, because too much media use can mean that children don't have enough time during the day to play, study, talk, or sleep," said Jenny Radesky, the lead author of the AAP report Media and Young Minds.

"What's most important is that parents be their child's 'media mentors'. That means teaching them how to use it as a tool to create, connect and learn."